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“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1, ESV)

Pastor Abel’s sermon on this passage is titled, “No Condemnation”.

The church is a group of people who, no matter their race, history, culture, or language, have one primary thing in common: we are all ‘in Christ.’

Sinclair Ferguson said that the preposition ‘in’ is one of the most important words for understanding the gospel because it communicates our union with Jesus Christ.

How should we understand this union? The Bible describes it in the following ways:

  • We are united to Christ as a temple is built and held together. Paul describes the church as a temple that is held together and built in Christ (Ephesians 2:19-22).
  • We are united to Christ like branches are to a vine. Jesus himself gave us this picture in John 15:1-11, showing that our life and fruitfulness come from Christ himself. Apart from Christ, we are dead.
  • We, corporately as the church, are united to Christ as a bride is to her groom (Ephesians 5:22-33, 2 Corinthians 11:2, Revelation 19:7; Revelation 21:9). This union is permanent, personal, intimate, and sacred.
  • We are united to Christ like a body is to its head. In 1 Corinthians 12:12-13, 27, Paul gives us the picture of the body of Christ. Each individual believer is a part/member of that body, and the head is Christ himself (Ephesians 1:22-23, Romans 12:5).

It is clear from these images, given to us by God in the Bible, that when we are saved, we are brought into a union with Christ that is far bigger than ourselves. Notice that Paul says above that condemnation is absent for ‘those’ (plural) who are united with Christ.

In saving us, God makes us part of the body of Christ. Our life comes directly from his life. Our growth, contrary to the individualistic self-help mindset of our day, is done corporately, together as his church, which is a temple that is joined in Christ. Our future together with Christ is certain, for we are his precious and holy bride, the one for whom he died and is coming again to claim.

 

For Further Study

  • Review the links/references above.
  • How does the reality of being ‘in’ Christ change the way we live day to day?
  • Reflect on what it means for you personally to be a member of the body of Christ.
  • Watch this free video series by Sinclair Ferguson on our union with Christ.